Newcastle United have belatedly confirmed the appointment of Joe Kinnear as
their new director of football and the fact he will be manager Alan Pardew’s
boss.

Kinnear announced on Sunday that he had signed a three-year-contract after a brief and largely unimpressive spell as manager during the ill-fated 2008/9 season, which has sparked an angry backlash from supporters.

Although Newcastle fans are normally willing to back anyone brought into the club until things start to go wrong, most cannot understand why a man who has been out of football for the best part of nine years has been given such huge power by owner Mike Ashley.

An error-strewn radio interview with talkSPORT on Monday night, in which he repeatedly mispronounced the names of players and club officials and made a series of inaccurate boasts, has done little to improve their mood.

Significantly, there was no comment from Pardew on the statement released by the club on its official website and question marks remain about whether he has willing to accept the new status quo on Tyneside.

Managing director Derek Llambias said: "The board are pleased to welcome Joe back to the club. Joe has many years of experience working within the game, and this experience will be of great benefit to the Club in achieving our objectives over the coming seasons."

The statement added: “Newcastle United have appointed Joe Kinnear as the club's new director of football on a three-year deal.”

“Joe will report directly to the club's Board as the senior executive in charge of all football-related matters. Chief scout Graham Carr and manager Alan Pardew will report into Joe.

“Joe Kinnear first arrived at United in September 2008, initially as interim manager, following the departure of Kevin Keegan. Joe had previously had a successful seven-year management spell with Wimbledon and as a player enjoyed a fine 10-year career with Tottenham, during which time he won 26 Republic of Ireland caps.”